The Kenyan squad for the upcoming IAAF world championships was dealt a major blow on Monday evening after veteran 1500m sprinter Elijah Manangoi succumbed to injury.
Confirming the incident, athletics Kenya president Barnabas Korir told journalist in Nairobi on Monday evening that Manangoi had been officially ruled out due to injury.
“Doctors examined him (Elijah Manangoi) and concluded that it was fair for him to stay out of the competition because running in Doha would worsen the injury. For now, it is difficult to have a replacement butAK officials are meeting to discuss the way forward,” said Korir.
That means that the men’s 1500m team will be represented by only three athletes.
They include Manangoi’s younger brother George Manangoi, Timothy Cheruiyot and Ronald Kwemoi.
The championships will take place from September 27 to October 6 in Doha, Qatar.
Elijah is the reigning champion as he stunned Asbel Kiprop in the 2017 London championships to win gold in a time of 3:33.61.
Manangoi had earlier on posted on his facebook page saying: “Sad that I am not able to defend my 1,500m title in Doha world championships due to an ankle injury I picked in training. I had no choice. We have to save a career for the sake of Olympics games.”
Kenya finished second overall in the 2017 games with five gold medals.
Manangoi’s exit has left Timothy Cheruiyot and his colleagues without a training partner.